Bangkok, often hailed as the World Capital of Street Food, is a paradise for food lovers who enjoy discovering delicious yet affordable bites around every corner. Whether it’s a humble roadside stall, a small local shop, or a trendy food truck, you’ll never run out of options. And of course, the city’s endless night markets make it easy to grab a tasty meal without spending much.
That said, not everyone feels comfortable trying street food, especially with Bangkok’s sweltering heat raising concerns about food hygiene. For many travelers, budget-friendly local chain restaurants offer a safer and more relaxing alternative.
Today, let’s take a closer look at one popular and affordable Thai chain loved by locals and tourists alike: Yum Saap (ยำแซ่บ) - Smiley Mama Noodles.
Yum Saap: Bringing Authentic Thai Street Food Indoors
Yum Saap is an authentic Thai comfort food chain that’s made a name for itself by bringing the country’s most iconic and beloved street eats indoors. Since opening its first branch at Siam Square back in April 2000, Yum Saap has been winning over local students and tourists alike with its tasty home-style dishes, generous portions, and wallet-friendly prices.
From that first spot at Siam Square, Yum Saap has expanded to dozens of branches throughout Bangkok. Many can be found in major shopping malls and popular night markets, offering a cool, air-conditioned place to enjoy the same Thai classics you’d find at a street stall.
Yum Saap is best known for its signature Stir-Fried Mama Noodles series.
Mama Noodles in Thailand refer to instant noodles or ramen, and Yum Saap’s menu takes this humble ingredient to a new level. Their dishes combine Mama Noodles with a variety of Thai spices and fresh toppings like prawns, fish, or meat to create classic Thai flavors with a twist.
Northeastern Thai cuisine (Isan) also makes up a big part of the Yum Saap menu, with favorites like Som Tum (green papaya salad) and grilled pork neck. One thing to know about Isan food: it’s spicy! If you love heat, you’ll feel right at home here. But if you can’t handle too much spice (like us!), don’t worry — just let the staff know you’d like it mild or not spicy at all.
How to Say “No Spicy” in Thai
If you’d prefer your food without the heat, you can always say “No Spicy” in English. But if that doesn’t work, say ไม่เผ็ด (pronounced mai phet). “Mai” means “no,” and “phet” means “spicy.”
If you want just a little kick, say เผ็ดนิดหน่อย (pronounced phet nit noi), which means “a little spicy.”
Fair warning though: in Thailand, even “a little spicy” can feel quite hot for those who aren’t used to it!
Where to Find Yum Saap: In Night Markets and Malls All Over Bangkok
Wondering where you can find Yum Saap?
There are plenty of Yum Saap branches scattered around Bangkok. Some are in less touristy neighborhoods, while others are easy to reach in prime shopping areas. Here’s a quick list of 12 convenient locations popular with independent travelers and first-timers.
- Yum Saap Central World Branch
- Yum Saap Siam Square One Branch
- Yum Saap Silom Branch
- Yum Saap MBK Center Branch
- Yum Saap The Platinum Fashion Mall Branch
- Yum Saap Terminal 21 Branch
- Yum Saap Chamchuri Square Branch
- Yum Saap Asiatique The Riverfront Branch
- Yum Saap JJ Mall Branch
- Yum Saap Big C Saphankwai Branch
- Yum Saap Central Plaza Grand Rama 9 Branch
- Yum Saap Central Plaza Ladprao Branch
1. Yum Saap Central World Branch
Central World, located right by BTS Chit Lom Station, is one of Bangkok’s biggest malls — anyone who’s visited the city has probably strolled through here at least once. Inside Central World’s 6th and 7th floors, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and dessert spots like our favorite After You, the Michelin-recommended Somboon Seafood, the award-winning Nara, and the famous Din Tai Fung, originally from Taiwan. Naturally, Yum Saap has its spot here too — this area is Bangkok’s ultimate foodie battleground!
More info: Central World: Must-Visit Landmark Shopping Mall in Bangkok
The Yum Saap branch at Central World is on the 6th floor (Zone B). The food zone here is quite big, so first-timers might find it a bit tricky to spot. Take the main glass elevator up to the 6th floor, then when you step out, look to your right for the food court info desk. Walk towards the info desk, but head down the left side corridor.
After passing the info desk, you’ll see On The Table restaurant, then Swensen’s Ice Cream. Right before Swensen’s, turn left towards Zone B (in the direction of Isetan). That’s where you’ll find Yum Saap. It’s opposite Sizzler, so if you see the Sizzler sign, you’re close — just look around and you’ll spot Yum Saap nearby. :)
Central World Branch (6th Floor)
How to get there: Take the BTS to Chit Lom Station. Central World is directly connected, and Yum Saap is on the 6th floor.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
+66 02-613-1197
999/9 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Central World Thai Address:
999/9 ถนน พระรามที่ ๑ แขวง ปทุมวัน เขต ปทุมวัน กรุงเทพมหานคร 10330
2. Yum Saap Siam Square One Branch
Siam Square One is always bustling, thanks to its location right next to Chulalongkorn University, Thailand’s top university. You’ll see plenty of students here every afternoon. To get there, take the BTS to Siam Station and exit through Exit 4 — the skywalk leads you straight in.
The Yum Saap branch is on the 4th floor, right near Kuang Heng Chicken Rice. The food floor here isn’t huge but can feel like a bit of a maze, so you might need to wander a little after taking the elevator up. It’s not hard to find, though.
Siam Square One Branch (4th Floor)
How to get there: Take the BTS to Siam Station. Exit 4 leads directly into Siam Square One. Yum Saap is on the 4th floor.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
+66 02-115-1303
388 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Siam Square One Thai Address:
388 ถนน พระรามที่ ๑ แขวง ปทุมวัน เขต ปทุมวัน กรุงเทพมหานคร 10330
3. Yum Saap Silom Branch
Bangkok’s Silom district is a true foodie hotspot — and it’s also famously one of the city’s three main red-light districts. Whether you’re wandering down back alleys or along bustling main roads, you’ll find countless street eats, popular restaurants, and hotels. Once night falls, the whole area comes alive (as you’d expect from a nightlife hub! XD).
So how do you get to Silom?
It’s easy to reach by either BTS or MRT. If you’re taking the BTS, get off at Saladaeng Station; if you’re on the MRT, get off at Silom Station. The two stations are very close to each other. Yum Saap’s Silom branch is located between them, but it’s closer to BTS Saladaeng. From the BTS, just head in the MRT direction for about one minute. From the MRT, it’s about a two-minute walk straight ahead.
The Yum Saap Silom branch is a standalone shop, but the storefront is quite narrow — so it’s easy to walk right past it. Keep an eye out!
Silom Branch (Standalone Store)
How to get there: Take the BTS to Saladaeng Station or the MRT to Silom Station.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
+66 02-003-2472
177 Silom 2/1 | Khwaeng Silom, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Yum Saap Silom Branch Thai Address:
177 สีลม 2/1 แขวง สีลม เขต บางรัก กรุงเทพมหานคร 10500
4. Yum Saap MBK Center Branch
MBK Center is another massive shopping mall right in the heart of Bangkok’s shopping district. It’s next to Siam Discovery, and you can easily walk through Siam Center, Siam Square One, and Siam Paragon, all the way down to Central World. The mall density in this area is really something!
If you’re taking the BTS, get off at National Stadium Station — the skywalk at Exit 4 connects directly to MBK Center.
The Yum Saap branch is on the 5th floor restaurant zone (not the 6th floor food court — MBK’s budget food court is upstairs!).
MBK Center Branch (5th Floor)
How to get there: Take the BTS to National Stadium Station, Exit 4, and you’ll see MBK Center right there. Yum Saap is on the 5th floor.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
+66 02-046-0510
444 Phayathai Rd, Khwaeng Wang Mai, Khet Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
MBK Center Thai Address:
444 ถนน พญาไท แขวง วังใหม่ เขต ปทุมวัน กรุงเทพมหานคร 10330
5. Yum Saap The Platinum Fashion Mall Branch
The Platinum Fashion Mall is one of Bangkok’s must-visit shopping spots — a paradise for bargain hunters.
It’s right across from the Pratunam Market (Pratunam Morning Market) and just a street away from the famous Pratunam Chicken Rice. Nearby, you’ll also find the trendy Talad Neon Night Market, which is open every night and is perfect for a stroll after shopping.
More info: How to Get to Pratunam Chicken Rice? Is It Good? Bangkok Talad Neon Night Market Guide: Food, Hours & Getting There
To get to The Platinum Fashion Mall, take the BTS to Chit Lom Station. Walk along the skywalk on the Central World side all the way to the end, then take the stairs down — you’ll see Platinum Fashion Mall right ahead.
Yum Saap’s branch is on the 6th floor of The Platinum Fashion Mall.
The Platinum Fashion Mall Branch (6th Floor)
How to get there: Take the BTS to Chit Lom Station, then walk along the skywalk on the Central World side until the end. Take the stairs down, and you’ll be at The Platinum Fashion Mall. Yum Saap is on the 6th floor.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
+66 02-046-0510
222 Phetchaburi Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phetchaburi, Khet Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400
The Platinum Fashion Mall Thai Address:
222 ถนน เพชรบุรี แขวง ถนนเพชรบุรี เขต ราชเทวี กรุงเทพมหานคร 10400
6. Yum Saap Terminal 21 Branch
Terminal 21 is another traveler favorite — the whole mall is themed like an airport terminal, with “boarding gates” to different cities like Paris, Rome, Tokyo, London, and San Francisco. It’s super fun to explore!
Yum Saap is on the 4th floor (San Francisco level). This floor has nearly 30 restaurants, cafes, and dessert shops. Just one floor up is the super popular Pier 21 food court, known for delicious cheap eats — definitely worth a visit while you’re here.
Terminal 21 Food Court Map: 48 Pier 21 Eateries
Terminal 21 Branch (4th Floor)
How to get there: Take the BTS to Asok Station. Terminal 21 is right at the station, and Yum Saap is on the 4th floor.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
+66 02-108-0809
88 Soi Sukhumvit 19, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Khet Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Terminal 21 Thai Address:
88 ซอย สุขุมวิท 19 แขวง คลองเตยเหนือ เขต วัฒนา กรุงเทพมหานคร 10110
7. Yum Saap Chamchuri Square Branch
Chamchuri Square is a mid-sized mall right next to Chulalongkorn University. Though it’s not huge, it has a good mix of restaurants and international brand stores — you’ll even find Kuang Heng Chicken Rice here too.
Because it’s so close to Chula, you’ll often see students and university staff shopping or grabbing a bite. Walk through Chulalongkorn University’s campus from Chamchuri Square, and you’ll end up at Siam Square — the campus is huge!
Yum Saap’s branch here is on the 1st floor. The easiest way to get here is by MRT: take the train to Sam Yan Station and you’ll arrive right at the mall’s doorstep.
Chamchuri Square Branch (1st Floor)
How to get there: Take the MRT to Sam Yan Station — Chamchuri Square is right at the exit. Yum Saap is on the 1st floor.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
+66 02-108-0809
315 317, 319 Rama IV Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Chamchuri Square Thai Address:
315 317, 319 ถนน พระรามที่ 4 แขวง ปทุมวัน เขต ปทุมวัน กรุงเทพมหานคร 10330
8. Yum Saap Asiatique The Riverfront Branch
Asiatique The Riverfront is technically a night market, but it’s so beautiful and well-organized that it feels more like an open-air shopping village than a typical market. Sitting right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, it’s a lovely spot to catch the evening breeze, watch the sunset, and wander through rows of charming, European-style warehouses filled with shops and restaurants. It’s definitely something to add to your Bangkok bucket list.
Asiatique covers a pretty large area. If you’re arriving by the free shuttle boat, just walk through the riverfront boardwalk area all the way to Warehouse 2 at the far end — that’s where you’ll find Yum Saap’s branch.
For more details on how to get to Asiatique The Riverfront, check out this guide:
Asiatique the Riverfront Bangkok Night Market: Food, Directions & Hours
Our first time trying Yum Saap was actually at the Asiatique branch! We ordered their signature Stir-Fried Mama Noodles with Pork and Sweet Ivy, along with a plate of Pad Thai, crispy spring rolls, and a delicious Deep-Fried Fish with Sweet and Sour Spicy Sauce.
Asiatique The Riverfront Branch (Warehouse 2, Rear Section)
How to get there: Take the MRT to Saphan Taksin Station, then hop on the free shuttle boat to Asiatique. Yum Saap is located in Warehouse 2 at the back of the night market.
Opening hours: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM (16:00–24:00).
+66 02-108-0809
2194 Charoen Krung Rd, Khwaeng Wat Phraya Krai, Khet Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120
Asiatique The Riverfront Thai Address:
2194 ถนน เจริญกรุง แขวง วัดพระยาไกร เขต บางคอแหลม กรุงเทพมหานคร 10120
9. Yum Saap JJ Mall Branch
JJ Mall? Most people know Chatuchak Weekend Market (JJ Market), but what about JJ Mall?
Actually, JJ Mall is right next to JJ Market — basically, they’re side by side. Take the MRT to Kamphaeng Phet Station and exit through Exit 2. As soon as you come out, you’ll see Chatuchak Weekend Market straight ahead. Walk through the market, and you’ll find JJ Mall just a short stroll away. You can also check out our full JJ Market guide here: Chatuchak Weekend Market: How to Get There, Plan Your Trip & Tips
JJ Mall is like a mini, air-conditioned version of JJ Market, and best of all — it’s open every day!
Yum Saap’s branch is on the 1st floor of JJ Mall and is easy to find.
JJ Mall Branch (1st Floor)
How to get there: Take the MRT to Kamphaeng Phet Station, Exit 2. Walk through JJ Market and you’ll see JJ Mall. Yum Saap is on the 1st floor.
Opening hours: Weekdays 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (10:00–19:00)
Weekends 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (10:00–20:00).
+66 02-265-9755
588 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
JJ Mall Thai Address:
588 ถนน กำแพงเพชร 2 แขวง จตุจักร เขต จตุจักร กรุงเทพมหานคร 10900
10. Big C Saphankwai (Not the Chit Lom Big C!)
This Big C Saphankwai branch isn’t as well-known — most people think of the Big C opposite Central World near Chit Lom. But don’t get confused! This one is close to BTS Saphan Khwai Station.
To get there, just take the BTS to Saphan Khwai Station and walk about three minutes — you’ll see Big C right away.
The Yum Saap branch is on the 1st floor.
Big C Saphankwai Branch (1st Floor)
How to get there: Take the BTS to Saphan Khwai Station. Walk about three minutes to reach Big C Saphankwai. Yum Saap is on the 1st floor.
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (09:00–22:00).
+66 02-041-9880
618, 1 Phahonyothin Rd, Khwaeng Samsen Nai, Khet Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400
Big C Saphankwai Thai Address:
618, 1 ถนน พหลโยธิน แขวง สามเสนใน เขต พญาไท กรุงเทพมหานคร 10400
11. Yum Saap Central Rama 9 Branch (Central Plaza Grand Rama IX)
Central Plaza Grand Rama 9, like Central World, is part of the CPN mall group and is another huge shopping complex. Inside, you’ll find everything from a supermarket and fashion stores to a cinema and plenty of dining options.
Getting there is super convenient: take the MRT to Rama 9 Station and exit through Exit 2 — it connects directly into the mall. No need to step outside!
The Yum Saap branch is on the 6th floor. Just ride the escalator up and head towards Cold Stone Creamery — Yum Saap is right at the end of the row.
Central Rama 9 Branch (6th Floor)
How to get there: Take the MRT to Rama 9 Station and exit straight into CentralPlaza Grand Rama 9. Yum Saap is on the 6th floor.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
+66 02-103-4544
9 9 Rama IX Rd, Khwaeng Huai Khwang, Khet Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10320
Central Rama 9 Thai Address:
9 9 ถนน พระราม 9 แขวง ห้วยขวาง เขต ห้วยขวาง กรุงเทพมหานคร 10320
12. Central Ladprao (Central Plaza Ladprao)
Central Plaza Ladprao, as its name suggests, is also part of the same CPN mall family as Central World and Central Rama 9.
In addition to the usual shopping, dining, supermarket, and cinema options inside Central Plaza Ladprao, there’s a charming outdoor area next door called The One Park. By evening, it transforms into a lively mini night market with street food stalls and vendors selling clothes and trinkets — definitely worth a look!
How to get there?
Just take the MRT to Phahon Yothin Station and exit through Exit 3 — you’ll see Central Plaza Ladprao right away. Yum Saap is on the ground floor (G Level). Just circle around the G Level food zone or Tops Market area, and you’ll spot it easily.
Central Ladprao Branch (G Level)
How to get there: Take the MRT to Phahon Yothin Station. Yum Saap is on the G Level of Central Plaza Ladprao.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
+66 02-103-4055
1693 Phahonyothin Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Central Ladprao Thai Address:
1693 ถนน พหลโยธิน แขวง จตุจักร เขต จตุจักร กรุงเทพมหานคร 10900
Final Thoughts: Which Yum Saap Branch Do We Recommend?
With so many Yum Saap branches in Bangkok, the overall quality and service are pretty consistent wherever you go. Some branches have different décor styles depending on the mall they’re in, but generally, you can expect the same tasty food and relaxed vibe.
If you want to try Yum Saap’s affordable and down-to-earth Thai comfort food, the best branch is simply whichever one’s most convenient for you.
One thing to keep in mind: many Yum Saap locations are inside big malls that already have tons of tempting restaurants. For example, Terminal 21’s Pier 21 food court is super cheap and delicious, Central World has plenty of foodie gems, and Silom is packed with local eats. So you might end up torn between Yum Saap and all the other options!
In that case, the Asiatique branch might be the easiest choice. Restaurants along the riverside at Asiatique tend to be more expensive, thanks to the beautiful views — so Yum Saap is a great way to enjoy a tasty dinner without blowing your budget. You can stroll the night market, then fill up on Yum Saap’s famous Smiley Mama Noodles for a fraction of the price. ^^
Also, keep in mind that Yum Saap’s prices have been gradually rising over the past few years — partly because it’s so popular, and partly because of Bangkok’s overall cost of living. It’s still considered a budget-friendly restaurant, but compared to mall food courts like Pier 21 or MBK’s food court, Yum Saap’s dishes can cost about twice as much. The upside is the portions are bigger and the ingredients are more generous.
Finally, enjoy our dining experience video from the Yum Saap branch at Asiatique The Riverfront!